Air Fryer Chicken and Broccoli is a simple and delicious meal that is perfect for busy weeknights. This dish combines tender chicken with nutritious broccoli, all cooked to perfection in the air fryer. It’s quick to prepare, easy to clean up, and packed with flavor. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or the whole family, this recipe is sure to please!
Why Make This Recipe
There are many reasons to make Air Fryer Chicken and Broccoli. First, using an air fryer cooks the food quickly while keeping it crispy. Second, it’s a healthy meal option, as it uses minimal oil, yet achieves a tasty result. Finally, this recipe is versatile and can be enjoyed by anyone—whether you’re a busy parent, a student, or someone who loves to cook healthy dishes.
How to Make Air Fryer Chicken and Broccoli
Ingredients:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 500g), cut into bite-sized pieces
- 300g broccoli florets
- 2 tbsp olive oil, divided
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp onion powder
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional: lemon wedges, for serving
Directions:
- Preheat your air fryer to 200°C (390°F).
- In a mixing bowl, combine the chicken pieces with 1 tbsp of olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Toss until well coated.
- In another bowl, toss the broccoli florets with the remaining 1 tbsp of olive oil, along with a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Arrange the chicken in a single layer in the air fryer basket and cook for 8-10 minutes. Be sure to shake it halfway through for even cooking until the chicken is golden and reaches an internal temperature of 75°C (165°F).
- Now, add the broccoli around the chicken in the basket and cook for an additional 5-7 minutes. Shake halfway to ensure everything gets that lovely crispiness! Your broccoli should be tender but still have a slight crunch.
- Serve your delicious chicken and broccoli on a plate, squeezing fresh lemon juice over the top if you like that zesty touch, and enjoy!
How to Serve Air Fryer Chicken and Broccoli
Air Fryer Chicken and Broccoli can be served on its own or with a side of rice or quinoa for a complete meal. You can also add a sprinkle of your favorite cheese on top for extra flavor. Don’t forget to serve with lemon wedges for that fresh zing!
How to Store Air Fryer Chicken and Broccoli
If you have leftovers, you can store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to eat, simply reheat in the air fryer for a few minutes until warm. This keeps the chicken and broccoli crispy.
Tips to Make Air Fryer Chicken and Broccoli
- Make sure to cut the chicken into even pieces for uniform cooking.
- Don’t overcrowd the air fryer basket. Cook in batches if necessary to ensure everything gets crispy.
- Experiment with different spices, like chili powder or Italian herbs, to match your taste preferences.
Variation
You can easily change this recipe by swapping out chicken for shrimp or tofu for a vegetarian option. You can also add other vegetables like bell peppers or carrots for extra nutrition and color.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen chicken and broccoli?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken and broccoli, but you may need to adjust the cooking time. Frozen items usually take a bit longer to cook.
2. What if I don’t have an air fryer?
If you don’t have an air fryer, you can bake the chicken and broccoli in an oven at 200°C (390°F) for about 20-25 minutes, turning halfway through.
3. Can I meal prep this dish?
Absolutely! This dish is great for meal prep. Prepare it ahead of time and store it in individual containers for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week.
Leave a Reply